HF 1251

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 02/18/2019 03:46pm

A bill for an act
relating to environment; appropriating money for a climate study to be conducted
by the University of Minnesota.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin SMALL-AREA CLIMATE MODEL PROJECTIONS FOR MINNESOTA;
APPROPRIATION.
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new text begin (a) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 116C.779, subdivision 1, paragraph (j),
$411,000 in fiscal year 2020 is appropriated from the renewable development account
established in Minnesota Statutes, section 116C.779, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), to the
Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to conduct a study that produces climate
model projections for the entire state of Minnesota in blocks as small as ten square miles
in area.
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new text begin (b) At a minimum, the study must:
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new text begin (1) use resources at the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute to analyze high-performing
climate models under moderate and high greenhouse gas emissions scenarios to develop a
series of projections of temperature, precipitation, snow cover, and a variety of other climate
parameters over the rest of this century;
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new text begin (2) downscale the climate impact results under clause (1) to areas as small as ten square
miles;
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new text begin (3) develop a publicly accessible data portal website to (i) allow other universities,
nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government agencies to use the model projections,
and (ii) educate and train users how to make best use of the data;
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new text begin (4) incorporate information on how to use the model results in the University of
Minnesota Extension existing online climate adaptation training; and
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new text begin (5) hold at least two "train the trainer" workshops for state agencies, municipalities, and
others to educate colleagues how to use and interpret the data for climate adaptation efforts.
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new text begin (c) Beginning July 1, 2020, and continuing each July 1 through 2022, the University of
Minnesota must provide a written report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the
senate and house of representatives committees with primary jurisdiction over agriculture,
energy, and environment. The report must document the progress made on the study and
study results, and must note any obstacles encountered that could prevent successful
completion of the study.
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new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
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